CLINTON

Otago Witness, Issue 2572, 1 July 1903, Page 40

CLINTON

June 24.— -The annualineeting of the- local branch of the Farmers' Union was held on Thursday last (sale day), when there were about B0 members present. The report and balance eheet, which showed; the branch to be- in a good position, was, on the motion of Messrs T. Taylor and Alexander, adopted as read. Mr James Taylor proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring president and secretary. Tne president, Mr Clarke, he said, had proved himself to be alive to the wants of the fanners, find had thrown a lot of energy and 1 ability Into his woTk. The same remarks, the speaker said, applied with even greater force to their secretary, Mr W-allace, who had his heart in hie" work, and did not shrink from it. The vote was carried with enthusiasm. Mr Clarke ■was proposed again as president, but he said he thought the office should be a rolling one. However, after some persuasion, he decided to accept the position for another year. Mr David Wallace was reappointed secretary, and Mr T. Taylor vice-president. A strong committee was also formed to act along with the office-bearers in carrying on the wort of the union. A communication was received from the executive containing provisions of a, bill to be brought in by Mr Kirkbride, M.H.R., in connection with fire and accident insurance. Letters were also read from Messrs Thomson and Mackenzie, M.H.R.'a, saying that they would support such a measure as this. It was decided that the branch support the bill, and that the secretary write and thank the members for 'their offer of support. A communication was received from Mr G. L. Stewart, secretary, in connection with the lectures proposed to be given by Mr Gilruth on veterinary science. The conditions as to terms seemed ,to members to be rather peculiar, and a (lengthy discussion followed. The terms are : — '"Lectures will be given in any centre where at least 15 members, of the union shall subscribe half a guinea each. Non-members jxnust -pay a, guineas" Some of those present were of opinion that it would be much better lot the community if instead of 15 members paying half a guinea and getting all the benefit, •the class should be 30 at five shillings and threepence ; 60 at two shillings and sevenpence halfpenny, and so on. Such an arrangement as this would give an increased number a chance of learning something, and it would be •11 the same to the lecturer how many were in the class. However, the President pointed out that the terms were in black and white, and they must abide by them in the meantime. It was decided tc take advantage o' the lectures, and the required numb-ear banded in "their names as willing to join the class. Mr D. Reid wrote stating that he thought there should be some generally accepted day on whioh occupation of hold?aga should begin and end, and asking the branch's opinion of such a reform. Members, however, did not think the cond'tions here were the same as at Home, where sush a custom was in vorue, and could not see their way to support the proposal. Stock Sale. — The sheep sale on Thursday last was the liveliest seen here for many a day. One thousand wethers were advertised from Mount Mistake, and these attracted buyers from all directions. These wethers sold in a line to Mr J. Tough, of Milton, at 15s Bd, but I hear they were afterwards resold to Messrs Smith and Corbett, of Oamaru, at 16s Id. Other lots of owes and wethers forward brought correspondingly high prices.